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Lilian Greenwood: ‘I no longer had confidence in Jeremy Corbyn’s ability’

Nottingham South MP Lilian Greenwood has spoken in depth of her concern over Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour leadership after resigning from the shadow cabinet.

Ms Greenwood was among 13 Labour MPs to resign from senior positions in the party over Mr Corbyn’s performance in the EU Referendum Remain campaign, which some branded ‘lacklustre’.

She stepped down as shadow transport secretary, with Gedling MP Vernon Coaker and Ashfield MP Gloria De Piero also resigning from shadow cabinet jobs.

Ms Greenwood told Notts TV News on Monday: “Sadly over the last nine months that I’ve been serving in the shadow cabinet I’ve come to the conclusion that Jeremy isn’t capable of offering that leadership, and I think that was sadly demonstrated during the EU Referendum campaign.

“Because I no longer had confidence in his ability to fulfil that role I could no longer serve in his shadow cabinet.”

The string of resignations follows the vote in favour of leaving the European Union on Thursday, with all Notts Labour MPs save Bassetlaw’s John Mann having backed the Remain campaign.

Alan Rhodes, the Labour leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Clearly there’s a very sensitive situation in the parliamentary Labour Party.

“But we are still working very hard (as a party) to ensure the people of this city and county are properly represented.

“I think over the next couple of days things might pan out and calm down.”

Mr Corbyn has denied the rebels accusations and said he will not be resigning as leader.